Reviewing the Role of Angiosomes in Filler-Induced Tissue Necrosis: Observed Patterns and Clinical Signs

BACKGROUND Angiosomes are 3-dimensional vascular territories supplying skin, soft tissues, and bones by a main perforating artery. The inadvertent injection of filler into a vessel can portend serious consequences including soft tissue necrosis and blindness. The structure and function of angiosomes are key in the pathogenesis of these complications, as they determine the location, the progression, and the extent of damage caused by filler-related vascular events. OBJECTIVE To review the anatomy and function of angiosomes and discuss their role in filler-induced tissue necrosis location and clinical warning signs (pain, blanching, livedoid pattern, gray discoloration, pustules, skin demarcation, coagulative necrosis, skin breakdown, eschar formation, and tissue slough). MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed using the terms “hyaluronic acid,” “dermal fillers,” “soft tissue fillers,” “skin necrosis,” “tissue ischemia,” “vascular occlusion,” “retinal injury,” “angiosomes,” “perforasomes,” and “choke vessels.” Clinical expertise from a busy cosmetic and laser dermatology practice was included. RESULTS We identified and included 26 articles exploring or reviewing facial angiosomes and/or vascular complications after filler injections. CONCLUSION Understanding the role of angiosomes in filler complications helps practitioners take care in their injections, practice safe technique, and appropriately manage complications.